The seventh and most recent generation of the BMW 5-Series is a phenomenal car in every regard. It will remain the most capable and technologically advanced iteration of the executive sedan until the BMW G60 5-Series, slated for launch later this year, makes its debut.
Still, like all vehicles, it does have some imperfections. One that multiple owners have, unfortunately, gotten familiar with has to do with the steering rack. All BMW G30 models use a rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance. It is actuated by a toothed pinion gear at the end of the steering column.
Over time, the steering rack will deteriorate from the constant meshing with the pinion and warrant a replacement on any vehicle. However, the BMW G30 steering rack issues that most owners have had to deal with have come about much sooner than anticipated and are something all G30 5-Series owners will have to be wary of.
This guide covers everything there is to know about G30 steering rack issues, from symptoms to look out for to the steps you can take to solve the problem.
What Causes Steering Rack Failure?
The most common causes of steering rack failure include wear and tear or issues with the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) motor. In the case of the BMW G30, it’s typically the latter since the steering rack features a defective design that has been known to cause trouble. In fact, the BMW G30 isn’t the only Bimmer that’s infamous for steering-related issues. The BMW F30 3-Series is another model notorious for steering troubles, and the underlying cause is the same.
What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty Steering Rack?
Most symptoms associated with a failing or faulty steering rack will be immediately noticeable since they directly affect your car’s handling. If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend having your vehicle looked at by a technician as soon as possible:
Clunking Noise from the Steering
If you notice a clunking noise when you turn the steering wheel, it could be from a worn-out steering rack. If the teeth on the rack or pinion are worn out, they will no longer mesh together correctly, resulting in a loud, unpleasant noise.
Inconsistent Steering Feel
As mentioned above, any issues with the steering rack directly translate to steering feel and feedback. If you find that the car turns inconsistently or doesn’t handle like it’s supposed to, you should check the steering system.
Steering Wheel Doesn’t Self Center
Another common symptom of a faulty steering rack is a steering wheel that refuses to return to the center once a turn is completed. On most modern-day cars, the steering wheel will rotate back to a neutral position when there is no input from the driver. It could fail to do so even in the case of a wheel alignment issue, but it’s most apparent when there’s a problem with the steering system.
Can You Drive with a Failing Steering Rack?
Driving with a faulty steering rack can be incredibly dangerous, and we strongly urge that you avoid doing so. Avoiding the signs of failure will only aggravate the wear and further reduce handling. While it is unlikely, there is also the possibility of losing complete control of your car, putting yourself and others around you in grave danger.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, have your car towed by a service center. If you can’t and have no option but to drive it, ensure that you do so at extremely slow, manageable speeds.
How to Fix a Faulty Steering Rack?
The first step to resolving any BMW G30 steering rack issues is to narrow down the root cause of the problem. The steering system on the G30 comprises a steering column, pinion gear, an electric motor that transfers driver input to the rack, and the rack itself that is connected to the front wheels. While the above symptoms are a good way to tell there’s something wrong with the steering rack, the only way to know for sure is to have it visually inspected by a professional.
If the steering issue pertains to one of the supporting components, it can be fixed by replacing what’s worn out. Some examples include a faulty rack and pinion bellow or a steering tie rod assembly. However, if the entire rack is worn out, the only solution is to replace the part entirely. The steering rack is an expensive piece of hardware, with a genuine BMW replacement costing upwards of $3,000 depending on where you get it. That’s without the cost of labor. We offer the same genuine BMW 32306894879 steering rack for a lot less.
Remember that the BMW G30 is an electronic-heavy machine with an EPS system. When the steering rack is replaced, the electronics in the car have to be calibrated to accommodate the new part. That is why you must take your vehicle to a BMW service center or a technician with access to the right tools and software. If not, you could find that the replacement part hasn’t solved the problem entirely or that the issue comes back after a few weeks.
Get Genuine Parts for your BMW
One of the fundamental rules of keeping your car in perennial proper running order is giving it the best parts and maintenance. Bimmers.com is one of America’s most prominent marketplaces when it comes to after-sales support and spares. If you’re looking for steering system parts for your car, you can find everything from a hex nut to entire steering columns on our site. Just enter the year and model of your BMW in the search tool to filter results that are a perfect match for your ride.
